Shah's Ashes dream

Owais Shah told Sky Sports News he is desperate to achieve his 'ultimate dream' of playing in the Ashes.

Last Updated: 08/04/09 10:31am

Owais Shah told Sky Sports News he is desperate for another chance to prove himself at Test level - in order to achieve his 'ultimate dream' of playing in the Ashes this summer.

Shah was given his chance to bat at three in the England Test team in the West Indies, but hardly covered himself in glory.

Despite knocking on the door constantly, Shah has not made the most of his England chances as yet, with just 269 runs in six matches at an average of just under 27.

The Middlesex man is desperate for another chance though, but with Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and even Michael Vaughan around, competition for that one available batting spot is tough.

Shah admits that he has not made the most of his Test opportunities as yet, but is desperate for another chance this summer in order to play in the Ashes.

Performances

"I've had three Test matches but I didn't quite put in the performances to cement the spot, so we'll have to wait and see how the summer unfolds," Shah told Sky Sports News.

"With a bit of luck hopefully I'll get named in the Test squad and get another opportunity to impress, but there are other people fighting for the same spot as mine so we'll have to wait and see who gets it."

Shah cannot hide his desire to face the Australians in the summer though, with the Ashes his biggest dream.

"It'll be the ultimate dream," he added. "Growing up playing cricket you always want to play in that Ashes Test match, and to play in the Ashes series would be wonderful.

"It would mean the world to me, hopefully we can win the series and get the Ashes back like we did in 2005. Personally I can't wait to get started this summer."

For Shah, the summer starts with a quick trip to South Africa to play in the Indian Premier League, and he says the experience could prove vital for England.

"We've got a World Cup Twenty20 coming up, so for me I can play cricket against other players who are the best in the world at Twenty20.

"Maybe I can learn a few things and bring something back to the team to give us that advantage in the Twenty20 competition."